I bought a second-hand Fairphone 4, and it will arrive in a couple of days. It was announced as being in very good condition. The seller only offers a 7-day warranty, so after receiving the phone, I want to test it thoroughly to check for any common issues known on this device. I intend to use it for basic stuff such as calls, messaging apps, email, browsing, maps, photo-taking, note-taking, reading apps, and music.
What and how do you advise me to test the phone? Is there perhaps a guide available on frequent issues or things to look out for on a second-hand FP4?
I have noticed many people complaining about various issues after upgrading to Android 15. Do you advise me to upgrade the phone as soon as I get it? Or test it instead with whatever update it comes installed with?
In fact, I am seriously considering installing LineageOS or e/OS after the 7-day warranty expires, to decrease my reliance on Google. So getting the latest Android upgrade is not a particular priority for me. But I wonder if testing it on Android 15 would help me better identify any issues with this device, so I can make use of the warranty before it is too late.
Hi @reventel ,
Welcome to the forum!
Maybe you can check the basic functionality of various hardware parts through the built-in hardware tests. To do so dial *#*#2886#*#* in the phone app to reach the test menu.
Before installing /e/OS read about precautions if wanting to re-lock the bootloader.
There are no known issues with the FP4, you just have to get clear expectations which marketing can’t highlight.
Battery won’t last long, with 6 hours of screen time a day you’ll need to charge it at least another time to last through the day. (I expect better battery usage with LineageOS/CalyxOS/eOS)
It gets warm with intensive tasks. A bit toasty during summer on its metal frame.
I would load up a mobile phone game and play for a couple of hours, and you’ll see the battery drainage and heat aspects. This “warmup” test will also ensure that there isn’t any problem with the phone under load.
Another thing to take care about is the possible presence of some software management app (MDM) if the device was in use at a company before. Ask the seller about this, because at least one user in this Forum that bought used Fairphones had MDM on the device and there was no way to get rid of it.
Thank you all for your ideas! The phone has been working well so far. I have run the hardware tests without encountering any apparent issues (although I am unsure what a few of those tests are about).
The only thing is that the screen isn’t always as responsive as on my previous phone. For instance, when typing on the keyboard, sometimes just touching with the point of the finger does not work; I need to press harder. But if any other finger is in contact with the phone’s outer frame, like when I hold it with the other hand, then it becomes perfectly responsive to the faintest touch. Same effect if USB a cable is connected. This is not very pleasant because I often place the phone on a support and operate it with one finger.
I have not found a setting to adjust touch sensitivity. I wonder whether I am encountering this known FP4 issue or whether my device is not working correctly. If it is a software issue, should I try upgrading to Android 15 (my device is suggesting the upgrade, but I have not clicked on it yet)?
As far as I remember the problem about reduced sensitivity of the touchscreen when not held in hand was the result of a mitigation by Fairphone to avoid ghost inputs. See Ghost inputs on FP4